White Paper: India on Its Way to Brussels
How India is aligning its electronics industry with European rules, trade regulations, and technology cooperation
This white paper by EMS Strategy Group (Dirk Kaussen, Rev. 2.0, September 1, 2026) highlights India's strategic evolution as a resilient manufacturing hub. It analyzes regulatory alignment with EU standards under RoHS, the implications of the Free Trade Agreement regarding CBAM, and deeper collaboration under the EU Chips Act.
Publisher: EMS Strategy Group
1. RoHS with European Reference: E-Waste Rules 2022
- Indian E-Waste Rules align six traditional RoHS substance limits with EU requirements.
- Mandated compliance documentation relies on European standards EN 50581 and EN IEC 63000:2018.
- Essential foundation for European OEMs, offering streamlined technical interfaces (while noting the 4 additional EU phthalates).
2. Free Trade Agreement & Carbon Border Adjustment (CBAM)
- Conclusion of EU-India FTA negotiations (January 2026) introduces Annex 14-A dedicated to CBAM.
- Establishes a cooperative framework for CO₂ pricing, emissions tracking, and data exchange between the EU and India.
- Crucial long-term consideration for enclosures, racks, and steel/aluminum-intensive electronic assemblies.
3. Semiconductor Collaboration & EU Chips Act
- Expanded partnership following the 3rd EU-India Trade and Technology Council meeting (July 2026).
- Linking design centers of the India Semiconductor Mission with EU Chips Act pilot lines.
- Facilitates access to advanced Process Design Kits (PDKs) and silicon prototyping to strengthen global supply chains.
4. Strategic Outlook & Sourcing Implications
- India is transitioning from a low-cost production alternative into a regulatorily and technologically aligned European partner.
- Provides European OEMs with a viable China+1 option with increasing compliance compatibility.
- Long-term supply chain strategy should evaluate Indian partners through the lens of regulatory and technical interoperability.
Direct access without registration.
The White Paper can be read directly in your browser or downloaded as a PDF free of charge.
Online Preview
You can read the full White Paper directly in your browser below. Alternatively, use the button above to download the PDF.